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Russian Skier Claims Bronze, Marking Nation’s Return to Paralympic Stage
Milan Cortina, Italy – Visually impaired Para alpine skier Varvara Voronchikhina made history on Saturday, securing Russia’s first Paralympic medal since 2014. Voronchikhina earned a bronze in the women’s downhill standing competition, a significant moment as Russian athletes compete under their national flag once again after years of sanctions.
The return of the Russian flag at the Winter Paralympics in Milan Cortina follows a period where athletes were forced to compete as neutrals due to doping violations and military conflicts. This weekend marked the first time the Russian national anthem could be played for gold medalists at a major global sporting event since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“For us, it’s a really long time when we were without the flag, and I’m really glad, and all my country and all my teammates, we are glad also,” expressed Voronchikhina, who is anticipated to contend for gold in other upcoming races.
The Russian flag’s official reappearance occurred during Friday’s opening ceremony in Verona, its first display at the Paralympics since the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. This signals a potential full return to the Olympic circles, with an eye on the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The Russian national anthem has not been heard for a gold medal win at any Olympics or Paralympics since the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Games.
Despite some audible boos when Russian athletes entered the stage during the parade at the Arena di Verona, Voronchikhina stated that the Russian delegation has been well-received in Italy. “It’s really good,” she noted. “And in the village, all good and good atmosphere and good conditions.”
Three other Russian athletes, Para snowboarders Filipp Shebbo and Dmitrii Fadeev, and Para alpine skier Aleksei Bugaev, also competed on Saturday.
Russia arrived in Milan Cortina with a contingent of six athletes. The International Paralympic Committee’s decision to grant wildcard entries to Russian athletes drew criticism from Ukraine and several other nations, leading to a boycott of Friday’s opening ceremony. Voronchikhina declined to comment on the possibility of competing against Ukrainian athletes.